The Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) on Delivering Biological Samples for COVID-19 and Tuberculosis Diagnosis: A Scoping Review.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To identify and review scientific evidence from experimental studies utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to transport samples for the diagnosis of COVID-19 and tuberculosis (TB). This exploratory study aims to support the future development of UAVs for transporting biological samples within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS).

Methods

This scoping review defined its eligibility criteria using the PECO acronym, focusing on: Population: biological samples for diagnosing COVID-19 or TB; Exposure: UAV transportation; Comparator: land transportation; Outcomes: Cost, effectiveness, methods for sample preservation, flight parameters (time, altitude, speed, distance), and quality of transported samples. Eligible studies were identified through searches in Medline

SUBMITTER: Rodrigues OMM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12753566 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature